An exploratory study on shoplifting in grocery stores

The Indian retail industry is currently the transitional phase. It is witnessing widespread changes. From the initial passing of FDI in the single brand retail format to the latest law amendments allowing FDI in the multi brand retail outlets. The industry is liberalizing. It is opening doors to avenues of greater investment. The economy is attracting big foreign players who are bringing a whole new shopping experience and a great deal of much developed expertise in providing a world class shopping experience. This modernization of the retail sector has brought with itself the advancements and the inherent problems alike, while India presents itself as a large market full of opportunity to these emerging retailers. It represents significant challenges as well given that much of the Indian retailers lack the expertise that is possessed by the foreign retailers in carrying the business. One of the major challenges is the high shrink rate that is witnessed by the retailers.The flipside to this lucrative trade will grow as any retailer's business expands. Even the best of retailers regard shrinkage as one of the hardest to prevent losses. Modern crimes have emerged and all of them, from the simplest shoplifting incidences to the more Organized Retail Crimes, eat into the profitability of the retailers. Retailers spend huge sums of money to establish tech security systems, setting up loss prevention departments, imparting training to its employees. In this study researcher examines the one of the major component of shrinkage i.e. shoplifting. Focusing on shoplifting the researcher observed different methods of shoplifting by shoppers at grocery stores, the study also focus on gaps in store design, security measures, etc. which turns a retail store into shoplifting zone.